Why It Matters

Odyssey Marine Exploration’s pivot toward offshore phosphate lobbying positions it to capitalize on unprecedented policy momentum. The company is shifting from its 15-year focus on maritime law and shipwreck recovery to target a rapidly evolving critical minerals landscape where national security concerns are driving deregulation. By hiring Continental Strategy LLC and lobbyist Enrique Angel de la Torre, Odyssey is adding trade policy expertise and Florida regional connections to complement its existing CAPCVENTURES LLC registration.

The company’s lobbying could influence Congressional action on S.2860 and H.R.4018—pro-development bills streamlining offshore extraction permits—while countering opposition from H.R.664 and H.R.663. Key lawmakers like Rep. Mike Simpson and Senator Joni Ernst are actively pushing to designate phosphate as a critical mineral.

By the Numbers

Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc. has maintained federal lobbying presence for over 15 years. The company previously spent $320,000 with Jenkins Hill Consulting LLC from 2009-2016 on maritime law, then $150,000 with LobbyDC.com LLC from 2020-2021 on trade policy.

Currently retaining Continental Strategy LLC alongside CAPCVENTURES LLC, the company employs one registered lobbyist, Enrique Angel de la Torre, whose prior clients generated over $1.3 million in reported fees.

The Agenda

Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc. is lobbying to promote phosphate resources in the Gulf of Mexico, framing the issue as both agriculture and trade policy. While no specific legislation is listed in its current registration, the company’s efforts align with broader congressional push to designate phosphate as a critical mineral and streamline permitting for offshore extraction.

The timing coincides with competing bills in Congress—S.2860 and H.R.4018 aim to expedite development, while H.R.664 and H.R.663 propose moratoria on seabed extraction.

Broader Context

Congress is locked in fierce debate over offshore mineral extraction as the Trump administration prioritizes critical minerals independence. An executive order signed in April 2025 explicitly authorizes expedited permitting for seabed mining, including phosphate deposits.

China’s announcement to slash phosphate exports from 9-10 million tons to 4 million tons annually has triggered global fertilizer shortages, creating acute supply vulnerability for U.S. agriculture. This geopolitical competition drives pro-development momentum, though environmental groups pose significant opposition through litigation and lobbying.

Between The Lines

Recent congressional hearings have intensified the debate. The House Natural Resources Committee explored deep-sea mining’s potential, while a legislative hearing on H.R. 4018 revealed sharp divisions over expedited permitting. The hearing "Now Ore Never" emphasized China’s control over 60% of global critical minerals production.

Bipartisan champions including Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN), Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Jim Risch (R-ID), and Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Chris Coons (D-DE) are advancing mining permitting legislation.

Competitive Landscape

Odyssey enters a complementary lobbying landscape. The Essential Minerals Association is actively lobbying for phosphate classification as a critical mineral, while J.R. Simplot Co. lobbies on phosphate mining on public lands. Companies like North Star Manganese Inc. and American Battery Technology Co. are heavily engaged in critical mineral mining policies, contributing to overall momentum for domestic extraction.

The Bottom Line

Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc. has hired Continental Strategy LLC to push phosphate mining in the Gulf of Mexico, capitalizing on bipartisan momentum around critical minerals security and Chinese export restrictions. The move reflects broader administration prioritization of domestic mineral extraction as national security strategy, though the outcome remains contested amid significant environmental opposition.

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article